Spring break 2011

We squeezed in a crazy about of fun this time

 seattle center

 space needle

 tulip fields

 deception pass

 the fremont bridge troll

shopping downtown and outlet mall in Tulalip
We had a great time staying downtown, and enjoying all that you can do there!  Wasn't very "springy" but we had a great time as a family!

I am alive!

So...I am a little BEHIND....

 This is the beginning of me getting caught up.  I will be devoting a little bit of time (maybe a lot) each week getting caught up on this "behind-ness"  as i will be childless 6 hours Monday thru Friday!  I am sad to say that my Sophia will be in school full time and its the start of a whole new era for me!  I have not been here since....well, never!  I held down a job as long as I can remember and on my first official day off

I gave birth to my Emma girl (now 13)! 

 I am feeling:

~ sad

~ a little bit scared (when i think of it)

~ and honestly a little bit excited.   

more to come..... 

Eight years ago

Our Lilli turned eight and was baptised a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on April 16th. 

It was a beautiful day with lots of family. 

Emma pointed out that all the girls had "big" birthday this year. 

 Sophia 5,  Lilli 8, Bella 10,..and soon Emma 13!

On April 23rd my Grandma Tolman passed away at the age of 91.  Though she will be missed I am so, so happy for her!  She gets to be with her eternal love and she lived a good, long life and she was a good person.  I asked her to make this dress for Emma when she was baptized, Bella also wore it, and in 3 years Sophia will wear it.  I didn't know until the funeral that this was the last dress that my Grandma made.  She was an excellent seamstress, she made two dresses of mine for school dances, and many many more for others.   It was a really great funeral that I was so glad that I attended (amazingly all 26 of her grandchildren were there).  It helped me hear things about her that made me appreciate her more and see her as a great example!

Games with Grandma and Grandpa, we were so glad they could come

Joshy....as always was fun to smooch

 Ears pierced

I love their laughs

These two friends often get mistaken for twins!

 

 

A whole decade...

She celebrated early with her besties...

Jordyn Amell

Isabella Joseph

And Ema Ost

We had lunch

And dared Jordyn to go tell the soldiers what she said to us when they walked in ..."Thank you for serving our country!"  She is a hoot!

Then we went to a movie!

She had her morning all planned out:  We must walk in together and yell "happy birthday" and then she would open gifts, then we would all go to Shari's for breakfast

Emma gives her pat of affection

(try 2) Found this treasure....

notice the wink...ohhh

So nice to know that my acts of love are not going unnoticed...
love that Lilli girl!

Sound asleep in......

 ...the cupboard??

Sophia, where is Lilli?  Oh... she is in the cupboard. (which was closed)

Dyers gone-a-hunting

How cute is Ms. Marion?  She single handedly put together a treasure hunt over thanksgiving break!  It was complete with a map, arrows to follow, trickery, running, string to follow to next clue, driving fast, getting in trouble with neighborhood watchers, kids crying, twisted ankles, jumping and cheering, eating to celebrate, and memories forever!  Thank you Marion dear...you are the treasure!!! Love you!